Tehran has issued a warning to Iranian nationals living abroad who are perceived to be supporting the United States and Israel in the ongoing conflict with Iran. The prosecutor general's office stated that these individuals could face asset confiscation and other legal repercussions under a law allowing for the seizure of properties linked to cooperation with hostile entities.
This warning follows recent U.S.-Israeli military actions that resulted in the death of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. In response, segments of the Iranian diaspora have publicly celebrated, contrasting sharply with the mourning period mandated by the Iranian government.
A report by the non-profit Group for Analyzing and Measuring Attitudes in Iran (GAMAAN) indicated that as of 2024, only about 20% of Iranians supported the continuation of the Islamic Republic, with the majority favoring a different political system. There are approximately 750,000 Iranians residing in the United States.
The new warning from Tehran coincides with the confirmation that Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader’s son, will succeed his father, suggesting a continuation of the current hardline regime established since the 1979 Islamic Revolution. U.S. President Donald Trump has criticized Mojtaba's appointment as “unacceptable.”
The conflict, now in its tenth day, continues to escalate, with President Trump demanding an "unconditional surrender" from Iran, a request that has been firmly rejected by Iranian officials. The war has disrupted operations in the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route, leading to a spike in crude oil prices, which have surpassed $100 per barrel, prompting G7 finance ministers to convene to discuss the economic implications.